Can I travel abroad with my child without the other parent's consent?
Not without consent: you need the other parent's notarised consent. A minor can leave Romania with one parent only with a notarised declaration in which the other parent consents to leaving the country (or if the other parent is deceased). The declaration must include the destination, the route, the purpose and the duration of travel, whether the minor stays in the destination state (and to whom they're entrusted) or returns with an escort. The declaration costs about 121 lei and is valid for up to 3 years from authentication. The notarial document is shown to the border police on leaving the country. Exception: for divorced parents, the consent of the parent the minor was entrusted to by a final court ruling is enough. In short: with one parent — yes, but with the other's notarised consent.
📋 The rules
- Leaving with one parent: the other parent's notarised consent
- The declaration includes the destination, route, purpose, duration
- Costs about 121 lei; valid up to 3 years
- Shown to the border police on leaving
- Divorced parents: consent of the parent the minor was entrusted to
🔓 Exceptions
- Other parent deceased: their consent is no longer needed
- Divorced parents: consent of the custodial parent, by final ruling
- Minor with an escort (not a parent): both parents' consent
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Without the other parent's notarised consent, the border police can refuse the minor's exit from the country, meaning a ruined trip and possible financial losses. The declaration is a safety condition, meant to prevent a child being taken out of the country without both parents' consent. To avoid trouble: get the notarised declaration from the non-travelling parent in good time, check it includes the destination, duration and route, make sure the minor has a valid travel document (ID card or passport) and keep the document with you to show at the border. For divorced parents, also take the custody ruling. Check the destination state's requirements too, which can be additional.
📎 Official sources
- Law 248/2005 on the free movement of Romanian citizens →
- Romanian Border Police →
- National Union of Public Notaries of Romania →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I take my child abroad without the other parent's consent?
No, as a rule. A minor can leave Romania with one parent only with a notarised declaration in which the other parent consents to leaving the country, or if that parent is deceased. Without this consent, the border police can refuse the minor's exit.
What must the notarised declaration contain?
The declaration must include the travel destination, the route to it, the purpose and the duration, and a note on whether the minor stays in the destination state — in which case the person they're entrusted to is named — or returns with an escort. These details are mandatory for the consent's validity.
How much is it and how long is it valid?
The notarised declaration for the minor leaving the country costs about 121 lei, all fees included, whether for a single trip or a longer period. The document is valid for up to 3 years from the date of notarisation and is shown at the border.
What about divorced parents?
For divorced parents, the consent of the parent the minor was entrusted to by a final and irrevocable court ruling is enough. It's advisable to also carry the custody ruling, to show it if required when crossing the border with the minor.
Where is the consent shown?
The notarial document is shown to the border police authorities exclusively on leaving Romania, which is why it doesn't need translation into another language. Still, check the destination state's requirements too, which may ask for extra documents, and make sure the minor has a valid travel document.
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